Dodge ball

I saw a group of kids doing something today that I have not seen in years: They were playing dodge ball. It sure brought back some memories of my elementary days in New Jersey. I still remember playing dodge ball almost everyday at P.E. Because of my small frame, I was not a very easy target back in those days. Oh Lord, I just got a funny thought: What if I played dodge ball today? Let's just say I won't be playing dodge ball today. My opponent would be able to peg me from 30 yards like a heat-seeking missile ripping through a slow-moving target. I played all kinds of sports growing up, but today I get winded just watching sports on TV. I can remember my days playing 3rd base. I can still see myself diving all over the place for the ball. But today, if the ball rolls 5 feet on either side of me...it's a home run!

You know, that dodge ball is kind of like trials and tribulations that all of us have to face sometimes. When we were younger, we seemed capable of dodging troubles a lot easier than we do as adults. Maybe the troubles are just bigger today, or we are just not as agile as we once were. If the trials I have suffered through this past year are dodge balls, I have certainly felt like the super-fat kid in the middle trying to avoid getting beamed. It has not been easy, and further, it is still very far from being over. But you know what? If God has brought me to it, He will certainly bring me through it. The Bible says we are to praise God during trials. Honestly, I can't say I have thanked Him for allowing me to be hit by those dodge balls, but I have certainly thanked Him that none of them have knocked me unconscious either. One good thing has come from all of it. With all this "exercise" I have been getting from trying to avoid being slammed by the ball, I have lost tons of weight and have gotten into much better shape spiritually. God is a lot of amazing things to me, including being an incredible trainer!

Isaiah 40:29 says, "The Lord gives strength to the weary and increases power of the weak."

Father, thank you for helping me with all my personal trials. I know I am not alone, and that there are many others out there who are also dealing with trials. We thank you that you will never abandon us, and that you will supply us with the strength we need to endure all things. In Jesus name, Amen.